“Scientific research opens to the mind vast fields of thought and information… Ignorance may try to support skepticism by appeals to science; but instead of doing this, science contributes fresh evidences of the wisdom and power of God…” (Ellen White, Special Testimonies on Education, 1897, p. 56).
Research plays an important role in the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. When discussed in theological circles, the word “research” quickly leads the hearers to “biblical research.” However, in this article, we are talking about practical research which involves collecting data through surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and other similar methods to understand current challenges and generate practical solutions for the ministry.
For many people, practical research may be viewed with fear or skepticism. Some may say, “Research is there only to reveal our weaknesses; therefore, we should avoid it”; “research is costly and has no value to the mission”; “all we need is prayer and the Holy Spirit, not research”; “research was invented by secular people; therefore, it should not be used within the Church”; and so on. While many people may hold dear such beliefs, such views have no basis in the Bible or the Spirit of Prophecy.
Why is Research Needed in the Mission Today?
Practical research is a systematic process used to address specific problems that affect the ministry. It helps us understand a specific problem much better and more deeply than we can understand without it. It helps generate solutions to big or complex problems. It helps plan programs, projects, institutions, and organizations. At any level of the Church, if there is a problem, if a new event or project is being planned, or if one wishes to assess the effectiveness of ongoing or completed projects, one needs practical research. This is true at all the levels of our Church, from the local church to the General Conference.
How Has Research Helped the Global Church?
Although many people may not be aware of this in local churches and local conferences, the General Conference has been doing practical research for more than three decades. As the Church continues to grow and as the world becomes more and more complex, so also does the need for practical research to support the ministry increase. Below are some of the ways that the General Conference has used practical research:
- Global Church-Member Surveys to develop the Church’s strategic plan and address specific problematic areas in church members’ beliefs;
- Global Adventist Pastor’s Surveys to learn more about the pastors’ beliefs, experiences, and practices;
- Institutional Worker’s Survey to learn about beliefs, experiences, and practices of employees at Adventist institutions;
- special surveys to plan specific programs or address specific issues in specific departments—for instance, specific programs for Adventist education;
- evaluation of General Conference departments and events; and
- many more.
For instance, utilizing the 2023 Global Church Member Survey revealed concerns about the Trinity. Once assessed, our General Conference leaders developed a new plan to address this. The following graphic demonstrates that 33% of church members worldwide believed that the soul is a separate part of a person and lives on after death and an additional 8% were unsure.
Church Members’ Beliefs About Separation of the Soul and the Body
How Can Research Be Used Practically for the Mission?
There are various ways practical research can be used to support the mission of the Adventist Church locally and globally. Among many, one can
- conduct research when planning new events, projects, and services;
- evaluate the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of ongoing or completed projects;
- evaluate various departments of the local church, Conference, Union, Division, and General Conference on a regular basis;
- use the General Conference research studies and resources to guide your own research practice;
- have a research team to guide and manage practical research in your entity; and
- foster the culture of practical research in your entity.
By integrating practical research into our ministry, we will be able to develop evidence-based plans, run Holy Spirit-filled programs that are data-driven, and improve our services, programs, departments, institutions, and organizations continuously based on systematic assessment and evaluation. Let us be reminded that it is “the Lord [who] gives wisdom; [and that] from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). While commonsense goes a long way, let us supplement it with practical research for more effective solutions and plans for the future of our Church.
You can access the full report here.
Published by ASTR on 7/1/2025.